How does CMCE Lightning Suppression Technology work?

CMCE technology prevents lightning formation by neutralizing the electrical conditions that cause strikes, rather than attracting them. The system continuously dissipates atmospheric charge buildup before lightning can form within the protected area.

How is the CMCE different from a traditional lightning rod?

Traditional lightning rods are designed to attract and redirect lightning strikes. CMCE technology takes a proactive approach by removing the conditions that cause lightning formation within its zone of protection.

What certifications does the CMCE Lightning Suppressor have?

The CMCE Lightning Suppressor is UL Certified and complies with IEC, EN, UNE-EN, and BS-EN 62305 lightning protection standards. The system also complies with RoHS regulations, carries UKCA marking, and maintains ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certifications.

Has the CMCE been independently tested and environmentally evaluated?

Yes. The CMCE has undergone independent high-voltage, impulse, ignition, and environmental testing under IEC standards, including salt fog, sulfurous atmosphere, electrical current, and mechanical durability evaluations. Testing recorded voltage levels up to 840 kV at one meter without tracer formation.

Is the CMCE internationally recognized?

Yes. The CMCE has received NATO Codification System approval, Lloyd’s Register Type Approval Certification, and RINA Type Approval Certification for use in commercial, industrial, marine, and critical infrastructure applications. The system has also been evaluated by accredited laboratories operating under ENAC-ILAC and ISO 17025 standards.

Which properties benefit most from CMCE technology?

CMCE systems are commonly used to protect commercial buildings, industrial facilities, residential properties, marine vessels, and critical infrastructure where lightning-related downtime or equipment damage can be costly.

How high does the CMCE need to be mounted?

For land installations, the CMCE is typically mounted approximately 6 feet above the highest point of the structure. For marine installations, the CMCE is generally mounted 1 foot above the highest point, excluding outriggers and antennas.

What is involved in the installation process?

Our team performs a site assessment to design a tailored installation plan for your property or vessel. Most installations are completed with minimal disruption and can often be completed within one day depending on project scope.

What Is the Best Lightning Protection for Wastewater Plants?

What Repeated Lightning Events Reveal About Protecting Modern Wastewater Infrastructure

Wastewater treatment plants are critical infrastructure assets that rely on sensitive electrical systems, automated controls, pumps, sensors, and communications networks to operate continuously. When lightning strikes these facilities, the consequences can include equipment damage, operational downtime, costly repairs, and compliance risks.

One recent storm highlighted this vulnerability when a single wastewater tank was struck by lightning six times during the same weather event.

The incident raises an important question: What is the best lightning protection solution for a wastewater treatment plant?

Wastewater Facilities Are Increasingly Vulnerable to Lightning

Modern treatment plants depend on:

SCADA systems
Pump stations
Electrical controls
Communications networks
Treatment and storage tanks
Monitoring equipment

Traditional lightning protection systems are designed to intercept lightning and direct it to ground. While sometimes effective at managing strikes, they do not prevent lightning from occurring.

As facilities become more automated and interconnected, even a single lightning event can disrupt critical operations. According to NOAA, lightning causes billions of dollars in damage to infrastructure and electrical systems each year.

Six Strikes in One Storm

When lightning repeatedly targeted the same wastewater tank six times during a single storm, it demonstrated a reality many facility managers face: Lightning is not always a one-time event.

Each strike introduces the potential for:

Equipment failure
Power disruptions
Sensor damage
Communication outages
Increased maintenance costs

For municipal wastewater operators, downtime can quickly become a public health, environmental, and financial concern. The EPA identifies wastewater treatment facilities as critical infrastructure essential to public health and environmental protection.

Advanced Lightning Suppression Technology

Unlike conventional lightning rods, the CMCE Lightning Suppressor is designed to prevent lightning strike formation altogether. Using Variable Electromagnetic Field Balancing (VEB) technology, the CMCE continuously dissipates excess ionic charge in the atmosphere, neutralizing the conditions that lead to lightning development.

Because the system operates continuously without external power, it provides around-the-clock protection for critical infrastructure.

Industry best practices for lightning safety and protection standards continue to evolve as facilities become increasingly dependent on sensitive electronics.

From Lightning Protection to Lightning Prevention

Most facilities focus on surviving lightning strikes. However, CMCE Technology shifts the focus to preventing strikes from developing over critical assets in the first place.

This proactive approach can help facilities:

Reduce downtime
Improve operational reliability
Lower maintenance costs
Extend equipment life
Enhance infrastructure resiliency

For wastewater treatment plants, preventing interruptions is often more valuable than simply managing the damage after a strike occurs.

Many engineers now include infrastructure resilience planning as a key component of long-term asset management strategies.

The Best Lightning Protection Is the One That Prevents the Strike

The six-strike event serves as a reminder that wastewater infrastructure remains highly vulnerable to lightning-related disruptions.

While traditional lightning protection systems are designed to conduct lightning after it strikes, CMCE Lightning Suppression Technology significantly reduces the likelihood of lightning strike formation around protected properties.

For wastewater treatment plants seeking to protect operations, reduce downtime, and improve long-term resiliency, a proactive lightning suppression strategy provides the highest level of protection available.

Elevate Your Facility Before the Next Storm

Contact Encore Land and Sea to request a proposal and learn how CMCE Technology can protect your facility from the dangers of lightning strikes.

Phone: (888) 360-7786

Email: sales@encorelandandsea.com

Website: www.encorelandandsea.com